IntegraGen Announces Results from New Test Designed to Aid in the Earlier Identification of Children at Higher Risk of Autism

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IntegraGen (www.integragen.com) a biotechnology company dedicated to gene discovery and the development of molecular diagnostic products and services, announced today the results of a study which reports the ability to better predict the risk of autism in children who have an older sibling diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study, presented during the Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics meeting in San Antonio, Texas, is based on a test which identifies genetic variants which the company’s researchers showed to be associated with autism. Over 1,200 families and nearly 2,000 children were included in the study.

“Identifying tools which aid in the early assessment and diagnosis of children with autism is crucial towards ensuring these children receive treatment as soon as possible since studies have shown that earlier intervention is associated with better outcomes”

“Major issues facing parents of children with autism are the often significant delay in the diagnosis of autism and the extended wait time for these children to be referred to and be seen by a specialist,” stated Francois Liebaert, M.D., IntegraGen’s Vice-President of R&D and Medical Affairs and lead author on the study. “The ability to identify high risk children as early as possible can contribute to the earlier referral to a developmental specialist enabling earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes.”

A recent study in the journal Pediatrics reported that the risk of a subsequent child developing ASD may be higher than previously estimated. The authors of this study stated that it is critical that pediatricians closely monitor the development of infants who have older siblings with ASD using screening tools appropriate for infants “since early specialized intervention may represent the best hope for reducing symptoms and overall disability in high-risk infants who are developing ASD."

“Identifying tools which aid in the early assessment and diagnosis of children with autism is crucial towards ensuring these children receive treatment as soon as possible since studies have shown that earlier intervention is associated with better outcomes,” said Rolanda Maxim, M.D., a developmental pediatrician and Medical Director of the Autism Center at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri. “We are currently conducting a study combining the genetic test IntegraGen has developed with early screening questionnaires to determine if these can be used to improve the early identification of autism in siblings of children with this disorder.”

IntegraGen expects an autism risk assessment test based on genetic variants the company has identified in this study will be commercially available as a laboratory developed test in early 2012.

About IntegraGen

IntegraGen (www.integragen.com) is a biotechnology company dedicated to gene discovery with the goal of developing molecular diagnostic products and services that provide clinicians with new tools to personalize diagnosis, treatment, and therapy. IntegraGen, and its wholly owned U.S. subsidiary IntegraGen, Inc., are focused on the prevention and proactive management of complex debilitating diseases, and dedicated to addressing the needs of patients, clinicians, and advocacy groups. IntegraGen’s Genetic Services Business, based in Evry, France, also provides state of the art Genotyping Services to the research community. With discovery and intellectual property focused on autism and oncology, IntegraGen’s core strategy is to deliver a portfolio of high-value molecular diagnostic products and services that drive personalized healthcare solutions for complex diseases.